2014 Draft Depth: Where could the Jets draft a edge rusher?

A few weeks ago we were asked where the depth of the 2014 NFL Draft class aligns with the Jets needs. Our intent was to write a two-part article. The first would address the generalizations learned from a survey of the depth of the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft class, while the second took a more practical player-level approach. The more we wrote, the more we realized this was going to turn into a series.

Since we've already surveyed the depth of this draft, it's time to talk about the talent that's contained in this class. Read yesterday's article on cornerbacks here. Next up? Edge setters and edge rushers.

DEFENSIVE END / OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Bassett's Baseless Projection: One pick used before the end of the sixth round. Expected special teams and backup work in 2014.

Analysis: In the last five years, during the lead up to the NFL Draft, experts love linking Rex Ryan to some of the top pass-rushing linebackers. Having coached in Baltimore in the halcyon days of Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas it is understandable. But year after year, Rex has never required the team to draft a pure outside linebacker -- in any round since Vernon Gholston was taken before Rex Ryan even arrived back in 2008. An argument can be made that Quinton Coples can fill the role, but so far he's best served with his hand in the dirt. Calvin Pace's continued presence this year only underscores the point. Ryan and his GMs have been happy to bring Calvin Pace back year after year to set the edge and stuff the run and provide upside to the pass rush when the play allows. If you don't understand the unheralded importance of Calvin Pace, read this.

With Wilkerson, Coples, Richardson and Harrison in place up front, the Jets don't need a top talent on the outside to make this defense work. They don't need a linebacker who can drop in coverage, sack the passer set the edge and stuff the run. The need someone who can maybe do two and half of those things. Last year Calvin Pace racked up 10 sacks for the first time in his career, largely because of him getting more opportunity to rush the quarterback due to the injury to Antwan Barnes and thanks to the double teams his defensive linemen faced. With 12 draft picks, there's no better year to use a middle to late round pick on a player whom the Jets might be able to groom for a season or two to eventually take over Calvin Pace's important role as the strong side (SAM) linebacker. The player need be willing to get dirty, not always seek out the glory stats of sacks, tackles for loss or even tackles. But what the edge-setter does is crucial to allowing a player like David Harris a clean (and likely almost certain) shot at the ballcarrier. It is Pace's job to set the edge by overpowering a blocking tight ends or linemen to effectively wall off the running back from bouncing the play outside, and redirecting the play back inside to the reading linebacker for a clean tackle.

Name Dropping: While names like Anthony Barr, Khalil Mack and Jadaveon Clowney dominate the headlines, it is the players later on that might provide the perfect complement for what the Jets need on defense. While we're sure the Jets would be happy to find a ready-made starter for the 2014 season to take over Calvin Pace's role without skipping a beat, the likelihood of that is very low. So considering that, look for the Jets to get serious about players between the fourth and sixth rounds where the Jets could find a diamond in the rough that will pair with their existing front seven. Should the Jets go after a Day Two prospect, it might mean that Calvin Pace's future is more clouded than we originally thought.

On the earlier side, Jeremiah Attaochu (projected 2nd or third round) has the long arms and range to make plays all over the field. He's quick off the snap and has showed improvement in the last few years at holding his assignments against the run. While Attaochu might yet be a little impatient, he's getting better as a edge-setter and run stopper. Will Clarke (3rd round) has shown some promise as both a pass rusher and run-stuffer during his time at West Virginia. While he might never be a top pass rusher, he's demonstrated strong anchoring skills to lock out blockers.

Adrian Hubbard (4th round) played at Alabama and is a jack of all trades. He has demonstrated good ability in tackling the ball carrier, dropping into coverage and in getting around the edge in pass situations. That said, he might be untested in doing the dirty work that a player like Pace does. Stanford's Josh Mauro (4th round) might be limited athletically but will hustle and has the grit along with quickness to to set the edge with long arms.

Michael Sam (5th - 6th round) has been a big storyline this offseason, but regardless could be a good fit for the Jets. Jets DL Sheldon Richardson has voiced his support of Sam and having played together at Mizzou knows how fierce a competitor Sam is. Sam has been knocked for his speed and his lack of ability to drop into coverage, but coverage is an overrated trait from outside linebackers in the Rex Ryan scheme. Sam might not be an edge setter for the Jets but his speed could allow him to be a perfect situational rusher. Sam could be a nice value pick late in the draft where the Jets have a handful of fifth and sixth rounders.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: When the Jets start their sales pitch to Kirk Cousins, he's going to want to know about more than just the size of their check. He's going to want to know, among other things, how they plan to protect him.

That's a project they can get started on right now.

The Jets should begin by re-signing center Wesley Johnson before the free-agent market opens on March 14, and solidify what was a young and better-than-you-think offensive line last season. Together with right guard Brian Winters and right tackle Brandon Shell, it would give the Jets a strong young corps on the line to build around. And with two solid veterans on the left side -- tackle Kelvin Beachum and guard James Carpenter -- it's a line that could actually be pretty good.

Kiper sees Jets selecting Baker Mayfield in latest mock draft

Feb 21 | 11:40AM

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Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield drops back to pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) (Jay LaPrete/AP)

Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, has seen his draft stock significantly rise all season. After leading his Sooners team to the College Footbal Playoff with gutsy drives and precision passing all season long, Kiper thinks he is the starter -- and leader -- the Jets need under center.

The entire Jets offseason will be played out in the shadow of Kirk Cousins -- the biggest name on the free-agent market, and the franchise quarterback they so desperately need. And that's even true right now, as the NFL's 15-day "franchise tag" window opens on Tuesday.

The Jets aren't likely to use the tag, but the Washington Redskins are reportedly considering using it on Cousins.

The offensive line was a huge disappointment for the Jets in 2017, especially on the interior. In 2016, Wesley Johnson started eight games for the injured Nick Mangold, and the line didn't seem to suffer too badly. However, he struggled throughout the 2017 season after moving into the full-time starter role.

Guards Brian Winters and James Carpenter also failed to play as well as they had in 2016, although that may partly have been caused by Johnson struggling on their inside shoulder. Injuries were also an issue here, with Winters in particular playing most of the season hurt, and eventually requiring surgery on an abdominal issue.

Dakota Dozier's performances in relief of Winters over the past few years have some people wondering if it was really wise to give Winters a big money extension, when Dozier doesn't appear to be much of a downgrade. However, he's out of contract now, so the Jets may need to replenish their depth.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Jets exercised their options on two defensive starters on Tuesday, ensuring that defensive tackle Steve McLendon and linebacker Josh Martin will both be back for the 2018 season.

The Jets were facing a deadline of Tuesday on both players, but the decision likely wasn't difficult, especially with the team likely to have nearly $100 million in salary cap space to spend this offseason. McLendon is due a salary of $3.125 million this year and has a salary cap number of $4.25 million. Martin is due a salary of $1.8 million, with a cap number of $2.1 million.

McCown-Mayfield combo could be Jets' fall-back option after Cousins

Feb 20 | 11:50AM

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(Kelvin Kuo)

It is no secret the Jets wants top free-agent QB Kirk Cousins on their roster next season, and it came out Monday that they are "willing to pay whatever it takes." But what if Cousins decides to sing elsewhere? What is the Jets' next move from there?

According to SI's Peter King, the Jets should be high on bringing back Josh McCown, and drafting Heisman Trophy Award winner Baker Mayfield ahead of next season. Though the jets are expected to have a pretty healthy cap situation, McCown could come back for cheap, and Mayfield will obviously be on a rookie contract.

King doesn't deny that Cousins could certainly be a Jet, but this situation could also work with McCown mentoring Mayfield as he did Johnny Manziel back in 2014.

Jets 'willing to pay whatever it takes' for QB Kirk Cousins

Feb 19 | 4:43PM

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Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (Bill Kostroun/AP)

The Jets know they need a quarterback, and in particular, free-agent QB Kirk Cousins. That is why the team is "willing to pay whatever it takes" to employ him next season, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.

New York has failed to find their franchise quarterback for years now, as fill-ins, so to speak, continue to come to town with Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg failing to show they are the guy the Jets need. Josh McCown was the latest of those rentals, and he had a career year before an injury unfortunately ended his season.

This offseason, though, GM Mike Maccagnan has no excuse in Cimini's eyes. He currently has over $70 million in cap space, and could have more than that by the time they can grab Cousins. The Redskins can still franchise tag him, so they could use him in a trade, but that is unlikely.

Jets reportedly turned down Bengals' offer for QB McCarron last year

Feb 18 | 5:05PM

The Jets reportedly turned down a Cincinnati Bengals trade proposal that would have sent quarterback AJ McCarron to New York last season, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Cincinnati, according to Cimini, called the Jets organization at the start of free agency and offered McCarron in a trade, however the Jets turned it down to focus on free agency. It is unclear what Cincinnati requested in the deal.

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Jets' offseason needs: Shopping or drafting QB1?

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Jets started over last offseason and actually built themselves a nice core of talent. They have many young, inexpensive players they can build around this spring.

They certainly have the tools to build around them - perhaps as much as $100 million in cap room, the sixth overall pick in the draft, and some extra picks too. And that's good, because even though the Jets exceeded expectations last season, they were still 5-11, and have plenty of holes to fill.

Now, as they get ready to begin Phase 2 of their rebuilding project, here's a look at their biggest needs.

Which cornerbacks could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 16 | 5:30PM

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(Trevor Ruszkowski)

Bent, theJetsBlog.comFollow on Twitter: Cornerback is one position where the Jets obviously need to upgrade.

They opted not to pick up a corner from last year's deep draft class until they took two project players - Jeremy Clark and Derrick Jones - in the sixth round. The coaching staff claimed to like the upside of these players along with Juston Burris and Darryl Roberts as well as Rashard Robinson, who was added via trade at the deadline.

Mayfield confident he can thrive in NYC: 'I live for a big moment'

The Heisman Trophy winner interviewed with Jets at Senior Bowl

The 2017 Heisman Trophy Award winner sat down with The Post's Steve Serby to talk about the prospect of playing in the Big Apple, and if he has what it takes to succeed in a market that isn't friendly to anyone.

Simply put: Mayfield loves the spotlight...

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Jets officially hire Jeremy Bates as OC/QB coach

Feb 14 | 4:30PM

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New York Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets have officially announced the hiring of Jeremy Bates as offensive coordinator/QB Coach, and announced the hirings of Rick Dennison as offensive line coac/run game coordinator and Steve Jackson as assistant defensive backs coach.

"Jeremy is a talented coach who has a sound understanding of what it takes to build a successful offense," head coach Todd Bowles said in a press release. "Having spent last season with us, he offers continuity and has a good sense of what we need to do to improve. I look forward to him working together with our offensive coaches."

Which edge rushers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 14 | 10:00AM

The Jets have been a team whose defense has been built around their interior linemen for a long time, but Muhammad Wilkerson's anticipated departure could be an opportunity to reinvent themselves by finding a difference-maker who can create constant pressure off the edge.

The Jets haven't really had an elite edge rusher since John Abraham, who was traded before the 2006 draft. They've tried drafting one high (Vernon Gholston), converting an interior lineman into one (Quinton Coples), and bringing in an established veteran (Jason Taylor). But none of these have been successful. None of their low-cost free agents, reclamation projects, or later draft picks have stepped up either.

Jets' front office poised to make key salary cap cuts

Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan on the sidelines before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Jets are in position to be the kings of free agency, with potentially more salary cap room to spend than any team except for the Cleveland Browns. They are already projected to have about $75 million in salary cap space, and that's if they don't make another move.

When the free agency frenzy finally begins, the Jets figure to be at the center of the storm. And all eyes will be on how hard they go after the quarterback they so desperately need.

But they have a ton of salary cap space to spend in other areas, including maybe on the 24 players they have on their roster who are approaching free agency. Here's a look at all their free agents-to-be, and their prospects of returning or finding potential riches somewhere else around the league:

Which wide receivers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 12 | 10:15AM

There are always plenty of receiver prospects who make an immediate impact as a rookie, even in the later rounds. However, the Jets haven't had much success in recent years despite selecting seven wideouts in the last four drafts.

While four of those seven are under contract for 2018 and a fifth -- restricted free agent Quincy Enunwa -- also figures to be back, the Jets got just 15 catches of production from that group in 2017.

Jimmy Garoppolo just became the NFL's highest paid player, even though he's only started seven NFL games and thrown 12 touchdown passes in four seasons. He reportedly agreed to a monster, five-year, $137.5 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers -- a record average of $27.5 million per season. That record will be very short-lived.

It's a simple fact of the NFL that the price of franchise quarterbacks only goes up, and in less than five weeks another one will be on the open market. And when Kirk Cousins officially becomes free on March 14 you can bet his deal will eclipse what Garoppolo just got...

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NFL.com three-round mock: Jets take Allen, Jones

Feb 10 | 11:40AM

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(Glenn Andrews)

In NFL.com's latest mock draft, Chad Reuter forecasted the first three rounds for all teams. With the Jets first selection at no. 6 overall, Reuter has them taking Wyoming QB Josh Allen.

The Jets take Allen over Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, who fell to the Cardinals at no. 15. USC QB Sam Darnold went no. 1 to the Browns and UCLA QB Josh Rosen went no. 2 to the Giants.

Allen threw for 3,202 yards with 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his sophomore season. However, his production dropped this season to 1,812 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also suffered a shoulder injury, and was forced to miss the final two regular-season games this year...

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Which quarterbacks could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 9 | 9:30AM

Most of the draft discussions surrounding quarterback prospects have been focused on the consensus top five prospects: UCLA's Josh Rosen, USC's Sam Darnold, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield, Wyoming's Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson from Louisville.

However, depending how the offseason goes, the Jets might end up in a situation where they're not in the market for one of the top prospects.

Jets sign Kacy Rodgers II -- son of DC Kacy Rodgers

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Kacy Rodgers never got a chance to play in the NFL before he turned to coaching. But now he might be able to give his son the shot that he never had.

The Jets will be signing Kacy Rodgers II, the son of their current defensive coordinator, according to his agent, David Canter. Rodgers II will join the Jets for their offseason program, at least, after two years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Rodgers II is a 6-2, 208-pound defensive back out of the University of Miami. In 2014 he was a tryout player at the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp, but didn't stick. He then signed with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos and spent a year on their practice squad before joining the Roughriders...

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Nick Mangold was considering running in GOP primary

Feb 8 | 3:16PM

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Former Jets C Nick Mangold was thinking about starting his political career, and running in his local GOP primary, according to Politico's Matt Friedman.

Mangold would've been running to replace the retiring Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, who represents the 11th District of New Jersey. Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas has spoken with Mangold, and he appears to be serious about running for the position.

Jets' offseason changes key if they wish to break Super Bowl drought

Another year has come and gone without the Jets winning the Super Bowl. Even the Philadelphia Eagles now have ended their forever Super Bowl drought. If you're counting, that's 49 straight Super Bowls that have been played without the Jets.

Which inside linebackers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 6 | 9:30AM

Two years ago, the Jets drafted Darron Lee with their first pick, hoping to shore up one of their inside linebacker positions for the foreseeable future. Over the course of his first two seasons, he's been up and down, but he has retained an every-down role.

Last year, he struggled initially, then played the best football of his career in the middle of the season, only to regress down the stretch. However, there are no indications that the Jets intend to move on from Lee.

In his latest mock draft, Todd McShay changed his pick for the Jets, and has them taking Wyoming QB Josh Allen with the sixth overall pick.

McShay originally had New York taking LSU DE Arden Key. However, he had a change of heart as the Jets desperately need to find their franchise quarterback. But he warns not to forget about free agency, where GM Mike Maccagnan will have about $100 million to go after high-profile QB Kirk Cousins.

"Yes, it's a running theme -- this is another landing spot for Cousins," McShay writes. "If the Jets don't sign him in free agency, Allen makes a lot of sense if Mayfield is off the board. There is a significant drop-off in talent after the first four QBs in this draft, so the Jets need to make sure they grab one here. Allen had an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, showing off his arm and his mobility. There are still concerns about his accuracy and ability to make multidimensional throws consistently, but all the tools are there. And he has the prototypical QB build (6-foot-4 7/8, 237 pounds)."

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Should Jets consider trading for Nick Foles?

The Philadelphia Eagles would be absolutely crazy to get rid of Nick Foles now after he slayed the mighty Patriots, and was rightfully named the Super Bowl MVP. Yes, they have Carson Wentz, a legitimate MVP candidate, before he got hurt. And yes, Foles will likely be Wentz's backup again next season.

But didn't Foles just prove to everyone how valuable a backup quarterback on a contender really is?

Which Safeties could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 5 | 3:30PM

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(Jerome Miron)

In last year's draft, the Jets used their first two picks on safeties, and Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye started every game alongside one another in the secondary. Those starting roles seem settled for the next few years, but the Jets like to operate out of packages with three and even four safeties, so Todd Bowles may be keen to add some depth.

Last year, Rontez Miles and Terrance Brooks each saw regular playing time, often playing together as the Jets used a four-safety dime package in passing situations. Also, Doug Middleton, who missed the season due to injury, was expected to contribute. All three are now out of contract though, so the Jets may look to fortify their depth in the draft.

While it seems unlikely the Jets would select another safety with their top pick, Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick is a possible consideration due to his versatility. Could Fitzpatrick be like Jalen Ramsey -- a hybrid cornerback/safety who has developed into one of the league's better cornerbacks?